Outdoor fountains have become a popular addition to yards and gardens over the past
few years. This is probably due in large part to their captivating sights and soothing
sounds. While years ago it may have been true that only the most luxurious of homes
could afford an outdoor fountain, that no longer holds water. In fact, outdoor fountains
come in such a diverse range of sizes and prices, everyone can find the right piece
for their yard or garden on a budget they can afford.
Considerations When Selecting an Outdoor Fountain
Choosing an outdoor fountain can be overwhelming if you think about the sheer number
of options you have. While budget will have a large influence over your final decision,
you need to also consider the following in your quest for the perfect outdoor fountain.
Features
What type of features are you looking for in a fountain in terms of sight and sound?
Would you like the water in your fountain to spray, trickle, bubble or cascade?
Another consideration is the water's sound. Larger fountains are going to make greater
noise. Do you want to hear the roar of the water or the soft babbling of a brook
coming from your back yard? If you decide to go big, be sure you have a large enough
area so that the sound can be dispersed.
Size of Yard and/or Pond
How large is the space in which you are putting the fountain? Smaller yards and/or
ponds can be easily overpowered by a large piece. Likewise, large lawns can swallow
up a small, delicate piece. You want your fountain to be a focal point for your
yard, so choose a piece which works with its surrounding.
Materials
Fountains are made out of a variety of materials. Each having their own advantages
and disadvantages. When choosing a material for your fountain, be mindful of the
weather where you live. Some materials are not weather resistant and can not stand
up well to cold weather changes.
Fountain materials include concrete, terracotta, lead marble, marble, millstone,
carved or cast stone, lightweight glass fibre or faux stone, bronze, brass, and
aluminum. Bronze and brass can last a very long time and if left in weather, can
often develop a stunning aged surface finish that delights many. Aluminum is lighter
than bronze, but doesn't age as well if exposed to harsh weather. Marble is often
valued for its uniqueness and artistic sculpting, but can crack in a winter freeze-thaw
event. Lead metal has a traditional antique quality and often turns darker as it
ages. However, it is a soft metal and sometimes needs to be reshaped with a soft
mallet hammer. Cast stone is a type of concrete that is very durable and has a natural
stone appearance. It comes in a variety of colors and, if formulated properly, can withstand
more than 10 winters.
Safety & Maintenance
Safety and maintenance are also important considerations. In terms of safety, ask
yourself if animals or small children will come in contact with the fountain? Is
it safely anchored to the ground? Can it easily tip over? Is it a potential drowning
hazard?
Depending on the material of the fountain, you may need to devote a little more
time to maintenance and upkeep to keep it in prime condition. Concrete and cast
stone fountains need to be completely dry if they are left outdoors during winter.
Fiberglass fountains also need to be entirely dry or can crack. If water remains
in the plumbing and a pipe bursts, it will quite likely break the fountain as well.
Fiberglass fountains are usually light enough, however, that they can easily be
moved indoors during winter. Additionally, algae can often grow in the water if
not properly treated or kept clean. Check with the manufacturer’s guidelines to
determine how much ongoing maintenance you will have to perform.
Styles of Outdoor Fountains
Talk about selection! Outdoor fountains come in a wide variety of styles, shapes
and sizes. Here are just a few broad categories and examples of each:
Freestanding
|
Freestanding fountains are great focal points for a patio,
flower bed or lawn. They do not require a pond to stand in to draw its water. These
units have a lower bowl that acts as a reservoir. They are easy to install and typically
come with a built-in pump.
|
|
The classic bowl fountain has the water shooting up from its center. These types
of fountains can sometimes be fitted with a light and colored lenses, which light
up nicely in the evening hours. There are also freestanding fountains that consist
of a pillar with a large sphere on top. Water streams out of the top of the sphere
and runs into a pool that's built into the top of the pillar.
The
Resin 2-Tier Pot Fountain by Geoglobal Partners is a simple yet refined
design. This 2-tier pot water fountain is an ideal addition to any outdoor decor
with contemporary or traditional styling. Each tier boasts a charming, subtle ripple
design. The upper-level tier is equipped with 4 spouts that allow water to gently
trickle to the tier beneath, and the circulating pump redistributes the water back
to the top. The constant water flow produces soothing sounds to enjoy while you
work in your yard or garden.
Beckett's
Classic Cistern Fountain is a beautifully crafted lightweight Durium resin
piece, perfect for small fish or plants. It is easily moved, and comes complete
with wet rotor pump and adjustable flow control.
Fountain Jets & Spray Fountains
|
Fountain jets spray streams of water up into the air in
a variety of patterns which can be adjusted to different heights and shapes. Spray
fountains also known as pond fountains, lake fountains or pond aerators come in
a variety of voltages and interchangeable nozzles. In addition to their beauty,
they also have a practical purpose in that they aerate the water. If using in a
pond or lake, this increases the oxygen content and can improve the health of your
aquatic plants and marine life while decreasing algae growth.
|
|
The
Dunn Rite Wonderfall 2 Tier Pool Fountain shoots an elegant 20-jet two-tiered
spray pattern into the air. It's great for in-ground or above ground pools. The
rotating ball valve adjusts the spray nozzle straight up out into the pool or under
water. The spray height is adjustable from a soothing trickle to a 15 ft. fountain.
The
Kasco 2 HP Display Pond Aerator produces and includes 6 patterns, ranging
from over 20 ft. high to over 30 ft. in diameter. If you are looking for a little
light action in your water show, consider Fiber Stars
Laminar Flow Fountains Kit. This kit includes two laminar fountains each
with 20 ft. of 100 strand fiber pre-attached and a Light Enhancement Device (“the
Scratcher”), which is a fully adjustable device for increasing the light output
in the water flow. The fiber and laminar are produced together for an optimum light
output.
Wall Mounted Fountains
|
If you have a small yard, but are still looking for a graceful
addition, consider a wall fountain. They are generally light weight and attach easily
to a wall or fence without the need for complicated hardware. Wall fountains usually
consist of a rectangular or oval base, with a spigot near the top. Water runs gently
out of the spigot into a small pool at the bottom of the fountain.
|
|
The
Lotus Leaf Indoor/Outdoor Wall Fountain is a unique lotus leaf wall fountain
constructed with composite resin and finished in moss. This fountain can be used
either indoors or outdoors. Pocono Mountain Artisans
Lion Head Wall Fountain recreates the ambiance and elegance of a Greco-Roman
sanctuary. Crafted in stone-finish it holds 5 gallons of water and comes with a
pump. The
Stone Dance Fountain by Oracle Fountains is a piece of living art, a mesmerizing
water dance over an ever-changing palette of color. This fountain is stunning and
will make a dramatic and powerful focal point for your home, either indoors or out.
The convex surface glistens with shimmering water descending into the basin below.
Made of Aggre-Stone™, a fiberglass and stone composite, the fountain looks and feels
like authentic quarried stone, but is actually lightweight and easy to move.
Solar Island Fountains
|
Enjoy the sights and sounds of moving water without the
hassle of special wiring or plumbing. The pumps and filters of solar island fountains
are powered by sunlight. Best part of it all is that it uses that free solar energy.
No more worries about leaving your fountain running or your electric bill spiking.
|
|
The
Chatsworth Solar Fountain is a classically styled solar fountain which uses
an innovative underwater integral solar panel to power a solar pump. The fountain
is made from stone effect resin. The flow of water from the fountain on the top
tier through to the second tier into the bowl creates a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere
for any backyard sanctuary.
The
Solar Cascade 4-Tier Fountain is bright and beautiful. The Solar Water
gracefully cascades down four tiers of dishes. There are absolutely no running costs
and set-up is as simple as placing the solar panel in direct sunlight and adding
water.
If you are looking for a solar fountain that also works at night, look no further
than the
Illuminated Solar Fountain. Not only does this fountain charge with solar power, it has a battery
backup so it pumps for a 4 hour durations.
Artificial Rock Waterfalls, Rock Bubblers
and Boulders
|
Do you like the look of rock waterfalls, but aren't keen
on the idea of moving tons or rocks and boulders around? Artificial rock waterfalls,
rock bubblers and boulders are lightweight fountains that are relatively inexpensive
and come in many sizes. No more breaking your back to get that natural waterfall
or bubbling brook look!
|
|
The
Alpine Four Level Rock Pond Fountain has five beautiful water features. This
high end fiberglass fountain can be placed either indoors or out to create a relaxing
meditative atmosphere. Strong and durable fiberglass construction with natural rich
color lets this fountain withstand the harshest temperatures for years of enjoyment.
The
Fieldstone Waterfall allows you to enjoy the soothing and natural sounds
of falling water with this small enhanced garden waterfall. It is a perfect compliment
to any large water gardens, pools or ponds and is also available in riverbed. The
Stonebrook Falls Fountain is both lightweight and durable. This fountain is constructed
of poly-resin, allowing for detailed sculptural design and long-lasting durability.
Price Range
Outdoor fountains are available in a wide variety of colors, styles, materials and
price points. Smaller, light weight fountains and fountain jets can start as low
as $39. As you move up into the $100 to $250 price range, you will find a larger
selection and variety of fountains from which to choose. Though probably not as
common, there are also several more elaborate fountains that can set you back upwards
of $5,000+.
Top Manufacturers